The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced changes to the Long-term Care Spousal Standards that apply to married couples who seek Medicaid assistance for payment of ones long-term care services. The standards that will change in 2021…
Year: 2020
What to Do With All of Those U.S. Savings Bonds
United States Savings Bonds have been around since 1935 and have evolved from the Series E Bond, which contributed billions of dollars to finance World War II, to the electronic versions of Series EE and Series I bonds that we…
Financial Planning Before and During a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had sudden and significant repercussions for how individuals conduct their financial planning, specifically, how they approach their spending and saving goals. Many households have seen a steep reduction in income and have subsequently, though unintentionally, burned…
I’m a Beneficiary, I’ve Been Wronged… Now What?
The process of administering a trust or estate can be lengthy and complex. It seems even longer for a beneficiary who has the expectation of receiving funds or property after an estate or trust is settled. While most administration efforts…
Duties and Responsibilities of a Representative Payee
Does My Loved One Need a Representative Payee? If you have a friend or family member who receives Social Security benefits but no longer has the capacity to manage these benefits, you may be wondering how you can help them.…
Tax Issues Regarding Payment to Caregivers
Most of our clients want to remain in their home for as long as possible, however, many fail to realize that in-home care is often more expensive than care received in community settings. The 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey…
ATTORNEY LETHA SGRITTA MCDOWELL ELECTED FELLOW OF THE ACTEC
It is with great honor to announce that Hook Law Center Attorney and Shareholder, Letha Sgritta McDowell, has been elected as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) being recognized for her outstanding skill and…
Year-End Planning For 2020
As of the November 23rd letter from the Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration to President-Elect Joe Biden allowing the start of the presidential transition, the 2020 Presidential election is (mostly) decided in favor of President-Elect Biden. This article…
A Letter to Our Clients: 2020 Year-End Planning
Dear Client: I am writing to you as we reach the end of this extraordinary and difficult year. Although the year is nearing an end, the events we have experienced undoubtedly will have an effect well into the future. Naturally,…
